Five Reasons Why Joe Sakic Makes the World a Better Place.

1. His wrist shot is among the most beautiful, deadly and feared weapons in the history of the game. Like the man, it is impossibly quick, subtle, and powerful.

2. You've likely never heard of Joe Sakic. Which in today's Media Sports Crazy world is quite an accomplishment for one of the Greatest Players ever to lace up skates. This is not pure homerism either. He has quietly climbed into the top 20 all time in pretty much every offensive statistical category passing greats like Bobby Hull and Maurice "the Rocket" Richard. He is humble to the point of being self-effacing.

3. Continuing on the self-effacing train; it is the captain's right to take the Cup from the commissioner and promptly hoist it triumphantly over his head after the most gruelling (by far) playoff in major sports. In 2001 when Ray Borque was playing for the Avalanche. Joe took the Cup, held it waist high skated to the long suffering Ray Borque handed him the Cup and gave him the honor to be the first to hoist the Cup. That kind of class is almost gone from our celebrity world.

4. Speaking of hoisting the Cup, he's done it twice now and come very close many other times. He is a leader in the best tradition of leadership. He is quiet, consistent, tough as nails. He once played an entire playoff series with a separated shoulder. Yeah this is hockey where your shoulders often get rudely introduced to wood and Plexiglas. And when it is necessary he places his team on his back and wins for them. He never calls out anyone, but is the first to take responsibility for a cold streak of his own.

5. Talk about taking the team on his back. He is now the career leader in playoff overtime winners. Doesn't get more clutch.


It has been my distinct privilege, due to a few accidents of history, to get to watch up close most of Super Joe's career. He has often been overshadowed in the media perception by other teammates, Peter Forsberg, Ray Borque, Rob Blake - a position that, I would guess, he likes, But once the puck drops no one matches up. It is not certain how much longer he will play, but if you are a fan of greatness tune in to an Avalanche game and watch closely. You'll have to pay attention because he will not draw attention to himself. You will then be able to say you saw one of the best ever. Thanks Joe.